Book excerpt: A guide to switching careers packed with the tools, practical advice, and testimonials to help you get out of a dead-end job and follow your dreams. Filled with inspiring stories from real people who have changed careers mid-life, What’s Next? is an exciting roadmap for anyone looking to make their next job their dream job. From a former mortgage banker who’s back in the classroom to a tough cop turned Nashville music agent, these in-depth testimonials offer encouragement and advice and prove that it’s possible to pursue your passion. Authored by Kerry Hannon, a celebrated journalist and leading authority on careers and personal finance, What’s Next? offers those seeking a more fulfilling path the tools to get started and the inspiration to do it now. Praise for What’s Next? “A fascinating and extremely helpful book for anyone planning to switch careers—from one of the nation’s leading experts on the subject.” —Richard Eisenberg, CBS MoneyWatch.com “Kerry Hannon is a top-rate personal finance journalist filled with smart, practical advice.” —Diane Harris, Executive Editor, Money magazine “More and more people have realized the importance of following their passions. But if you can’t make money at it, it’s your hobby. Follow Hannon’s roadmap to make sure you’re on the way to a passionate—and prosperous—career.” —Jean Chatzky, bestselling author of The Difference and Pay It Down “A must-read for anyone—at any age—curious about any career change. A perfect blend of inspirational, readable stories and logistical, practical advice, What’s Next? walks you through the nuts and bolts of switching careers so you can follow your passion the smart way and set yourself up for long-term success. (If I didn’t love my career so much, this book would be my bible!)” —Beth Kobliner, author of Get a Financial Life: Personal Finance in Your Twenties and Thirties